The company's director was sentenced to 3 years for evading mobilization.

According to ТСН: In Sumy, the court found the director of a local enterprise guilty and sentenced him to three years in prison for evading mobilization. The man tried to claim that he became a volunteer and received a deferral, but the judge considered these excuses an attempt to buy time.

Charges and summons

The director insisted that he had been considered unfit for service since 2009. However, in the context of a full-scale war, the situation changed:

• The military medical commission (VLC) recognized him as fit for service, and he did not appeal this decision.

• In May 2023, he received a "combat summons" to report to the military unit by June 27, signing the acknowledgment.

Defense's position

In court, the man did not plead guilty, citing the following arguments:

1. Confusion with summonses: he noted that at the checkpoint, the old summons was canceled, and a new one was issued, which is why he did not appear at the territorial recruitment center.

2. Volunteering: the man indicated that two weeks before his departure, he joined the charity fund "Angels of Good," where he was promised assistance with the military enlistment office.

3. Deferral: during the investigation, he received an official deferral from mobilization.

Court's decision

The court analyzed all the evidence presented and rejected the defense's version:

• Fictitious volunteering: the court established that the accused joined the fund only after receiving the summons. Testimony from the fund's president indicates he did not participate in volunteer activities, which is viewed as an attempt to evade service.

• Deferral after the crime: receiving a deferral after failing to report for the combat summons does not exempt one from liability. The crime is considered complete from the moment the deadline of June 27, 2023, was not met.

• Valid reasons: the law clearly defines the list of reasons for which one may not appear. Joining a fund or having a new summons does not fall into this list.

Court verdict

The Zarichny District Court of Sumy found the director of the enterprise guilty under Article 336 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (evasion of conscription during mobilization). Despite positive references from work and confirmed future deferral, the court imposed a real term of punishment — 3 years in prison, which will begin to be counted from the moment of detention.

The verdict can be appealed.

Additionally, in the Cherkasy region, a 56-year-old man was sentenced to 3 years in prison for refusing to accept the summons and evading mobilization.

This case underscores the seriousness of the consequences of evading mobilization in Ukraine, especially in wartime. The authorities continue to strengthen control over compliance with mobilization requirements, which is part of the overall strategy to enhance the country's defense capability. As the number of such cases increases, judicial decisions become an important signal for businesses and citizens regarding the severity of adherence to the law.